Efforts to 'Save the Flame' at KC's National World War I Museum Heat Up

Pioneer Services Leads Effort, Challenges Others, to Keep Flame
Lit Atop Liberty Memorial
KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(Business Wire)--
Since its completion in 1921, the Liberty Memorial has been a
Kansas City landmark, overlooking the downtown skyline. But recent
funding issues have forced the flame sitting atop the 217-foot tower
to be extinguished except on special holidays. The annual cost to keep
the flame burning is estimated to be $45,000 by officials at the
National World War I Museum.

After an article in the Kansas City Star highlighted the funding
issue and efforts by community activists to raise awareness, Pioneer
Services, a Kansas City-based company, stepped up with an initial
$5,000 donation to keep the flame burning until July 4. The company is
also challenging other local businesses, individuals, and groups to
donate to the cause by July 4, and will match those contributions up
to an additional $17,500.

"Since we work exclusively with the military community, we could
not just sit back and let the flame go out," said Karen Von Der
Bruegge, chief marketing officer for Pioneer Services. "The National
World War I Museum is the only museum in America that preserves the
legacy of those who served in the Great War, and we decided to do
whatever we can to help ensure that legacy is honored."

There is a new Web site, www.SaveTheFlame.org, to inform people of
the need for assistance and to facilitate donations. Concerned
citizens and organizations can make a tax-deductible contribution by
sending a check to 100 W. 26th St., Kansas City, MO 64108--make the
check out to "National World War I Museum" and put "Save the Flame" in
the memo line.

"Whether five or five hundred, every dollar is important," said
Brian Alexander, National World War I Museum president and chief
executive officer. "We are grateful to all of those who help keep the
flame burning."

For more information, visit PioneerServices.com. For loan
information, visit PioneerMilitaryLoans.com.

To learn more about the National World War I Museum, visit
www.nwwone.org.

All loan applications subject to our credit policies. No official
U.S. military endorsement is implied. MidCountry Bank is a member
FDIC.

Pioneer Services
Karen Von Der Bruegge, 704-907-3175
Public Relations
Fax: 816-561-9333
media@pioneerservices.com
or
National World War I Museum
Denise Rendina, 816-784-1945
Public Relations
drendina@nwwone.org

Copyright Business Wire 2008